As part of fulfillment of their “Project 2017”, Ika Elite Development League, a Non-Governmental / Non- Profit Making Organization made up of vibrant Ika Prodigies, recently donated hospital beds and mattresses to Hospitals and Health Care Centers in Ika Federal Constituency.
The donation was made, at Ika National Hall, Agbor, with the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge, and Dr. (Mrs.) Isioma Okobah, Chairman, Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency and SSA to The Governor on E-Health Programme, in attendance.
In his address, the president of the Ika Elite Development League, Mr. Benjamin Okwuokenye, said the project, “project 2017” was founded on the notion that the betterment of Ika Land is a shared responsibility of the government and citizens.
According to him, “We believe we are not called to solely rely on government’s assistance, to improve our communities, government assistance we need though, yet a better Ika Land can be achieved by lending a helping hand”
Mr. Okwokenye asserted that since the inception of the Ika Elite Development League , it has remained a pillar of charitable deeds in Ika Land.
Continuing, he stated that the addition of 100 Hospital beds and mattresses is a good news to not just Ika people, but also to care givers. He said that their decision to give back to the communities is not motivated by political gratification or an act to further selfish interests, but rather, an act to better the lives of the beneficiaries and the public in general.
Presenting an address on the theme: “Harnessing the Latent Gains in Our Unity-The Case of Ika Elite Development League”, Mr. Roland Egede, the pioneer president of the league said,
“The donation was done in a bid to lead the change in philosophy from sectional and parochial perspective to issues; to a more global and united viewpoint, that the Ika Elite Development League, comprising a group of young men came together as a child of necessity stemming from our irrepressible and collective sense of obligation to impact our immediate community and kinsmen through our God given resources”.
Representing the executive governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Nicholas Azinge appreciated the kind gesture of the league, saying that the donation is coming at a time it is most needed.
He stated that the administration of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa places a high premium on health for all Deltans, through various programs, including health insurance. He called for more partnership between the government and private sectors, adding that the government is ready to partner or assist such groups or individuals who aim to create a better health care system in the state.
He thanked the members on behalf of the governor, various health parastastals and Ika people, adding that they look forward to more donations.
Also present at the event were: The member representing Ika North East at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri, the Chairmen of both Ika Local Governments, Hon.(Barr.) Victor Ebonka, Chief Justice, Ehiwarior, Chief Akpara, Chief Okwokenye, Inneh of Owa Kingdom, Chief I.I Erigbuem, Chief Okwadiken, Chief Onyechukwu- Kwadon, Bishop (Dr.) Peter Benjamin, pupils and delegations from various schools in Ika land, amongst others.
High points of the event were the presentation of award to the Leagues “Charity Man of the year” Mr. Roland Egede, and cutting of the ribbon. Hon. Elekeokwuri commended the gesture of the league, describing it as “a laudable gesture”. He said that government and private partnership for the benefit of the people is the way forward.
BY ANITA ALEH